Bhubaneswar: As the clock struck 5 on Sunday evening, Odisha reverberated with sound of claps, bells, drums and conch shells as the whole of state came out of their houses to show their appreciation for the frontline healthcare providers, amid the lockdown to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik applauded and cheered for the them by clapping and beating gong from his terrace. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also expressed solidarity with the warriors at his Delhi residence.
Top officials of the Odisha government, including Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy, 5T Secretary VK Pandian, Development Commissioner Suresh Mohapatra, National Health Mission director Shalini Pandit, Health Secretary Nikunja Dhal and Chief Spokesperson on COVID-19 Subroto Bagchi, also expressed their gratitude to doctors and health workers combating COVID-19, by ringing bells outside the Lok Seva Bhawan here.
Deputy Chairman, State Planning Board, Sanjay DasBurma and his daughter Deepali DasBurma also thanked doctors, medical professionals and policemen for the remarkable service they have rendered and are rendering towards the nation at this critical juncture. “I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Janata Curfew and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for the lockdown of 40% of Odisha in order to ensure social distancing and defeating Corona,” Dasburma said.
BJP leader Baijayant Panda also came out to the balcony at 5 pm to cheer for those on the frontlines of this war, especially medical personnel and others connected to essential services.
